The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
SHARING THE ROAD
May is National Bicycle Safety Month
The month of May brings much desired warm weather, and an increase in the bicyclists on the roads.
May is National Bicycle Safety Month and it provides an opportunity to raise awareness on how bicycles should be operated to ensure everyone’s safety.
“The city of Lorain does experience a large portion of accidents involving bicycles,” said Lorain police Officer Kyle Gelenius, who is assigned to the traffic division. “This is mostly due to bicyclists not following the laws of the road and weaving in and out of traffic.”
Gelenius said it is important for bicyclists to wear a helmet.
“It is one of the first things children are taught in regards to riding their bike, and it is a very important precautionary measure for everyone,” he said.
“We all have to share the road, so be aware of that and give everyone the courtesy that you would want them to show you.”
— Elyria Capt. Chris Costantino
“Too often, I go to crashes where someone wasn’t wearing a helmet.
“Helmets provide more protection than people think. Some may not enjoy wearing them, but helmets can make a world of difference for someone in an accident.”
Gelenius said Lorain features some popular areas for bicycle traffic.
“The most notable of these locations is the new bike lane on East Erie Avenue,” he said. “There is a designated bike lane on the road, but it gets tricky when you cross the bridge, near Lorain City Hall, because the lanes have been changed to accommodate the bike traffic.
“It is important for drivers to be careful and watch for bicyclists when they are on or near the bridge. There are also notable lanes on (state) Route 58 south of West 21st Street to Cooper Foster Park Road.”
Gelenius said it also is important to use proper hand signals when operating a bicycle.
“Bikes do not have the signals cars do, but that doesn’t mean the bicyclist doesn’t have to signal their turns,” he said. “Utilizing hand signal turns is the best way to make sure the vehicles around you are aware of where you are going.
“It is also important to wear bright, reflective clothing when you go out on a bike. This is especially
“It is also important to wear bright, reflective clothing when you go out on a bike. This is especially helpful at night to make sure drivers can see you, because it is almost impossible for them to see you without reflective clothing.”
— Lorain police Officer Kyle Gelenius
helpful at night to make sure drivers can see you, because it is almost impossible for them to see you without reflective clothing.”
Gelenius said Lorain residents also are required to have licenses for their bikes.
“People may be unaware, but they will be cited if they are in a crash and do not have a license on their bike,” he said.
“Lorain residents can obtain a license through the Lorain City Auditor’s Office and it is a sticker that is placed on the bicycle.”
Elyria police Capt. Chris Costantino said the city has made accommodations for bicyclists.
“There are lanes on Middle Avenue and in the (Lorain County) Metro Parks off of West River Road,” Costantino said. “Bicyclists need to adhere to the rules of the road. Obey the stop signs and street lights as you would if you were driving.”
Costantino said the bicyclists have the same right to the road as cars.
“Common courtesy goes a long way,” he said. “We all have to share the road, so be aware of that and give everyone the courtesy that you would want them to show you.”
The National Safety Council has offered safe riding tips. They are: • Get acquainted with traffic laws; cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists
• Know your bike’s capabilities
• Ride single-file in the direction of traffic, and watch for opening car doors and other hazards
• Use hand signals when turning and use extra care at intersections • Never hitch onto cars • Before entering traffic, stop and look left, right, left again and over your shoulder
• Wear bright clothing and ride during the day
• If night riding can’t be avoided, wear reflective clothing
• Make sure the bike is equipped with reflectors on the rear, front, pedals and spokes
• A horn or bell and a rear-view mirror, as well as a bright headlight, also is recommended